Jake Speed

Jake Speed is a 1986 action-adventure film directed by Andrew Lane, starring Wayne Crawford, Dennis Christopher, and Karen Kopins. The movie uniquely blends elements of escapism, adventure, and a distinct 80's retro vibe. It combines an intriguing mix of good old fashioned gallantry with a tongue-in-cheek examination of popular literary and adventure tropes of its time.

Jake Speed (Wayne Crawford) is the titular character of the film – a seemingly fictional adventure hero straight out of pulp novels who somehow steps into the real world. Crawford’s portrayal of the character as a roguish, highly cinematic action hero delivers comic relief alongside intense action sequences. This unlikely protagonist’s approach to danger and his recklessly optimistic attitude is a standout element of the film.

The plot kicks in when the younger sister of Margaret (played by the charming Karen Kopins), Maureen, gets kidnapped by a evil human trafficker named Sid (John Hurt in a memorable role) while vacationing in Paris. When the law enforcement agencies appear inept, Margaret, in her desperation, decides to take the matter into her own hands. During this time, she stumbles upon a clue suggesting that the action hero, Jake Speed, may be real and not just a character from a novel.

Armed with a newfound determination, Margaret gets in touch with Jake Speed and his sidekick, Desmond Floyd (a witty Dennis Christopher), to rescue her sister. What follows is an adventurous romp through Paris and Africa, involving mercenaries, despicable villains, and dangerous situations. Jake and his team, with the determined Margaret in tow, embark on a thrilling rescue escapade full of chases, daring escapes, and heroics more fantastic and undeniably pulpier than even the most dramatic of Jake's adventures in print.

The dynamic between Jake and Margaret forms an engaging subplot with tensions initially stemming from Margaret's skepticism about Jake's existence and his non-traditional methods. As the plot develops, however, Margaret learns to understand Jake's method behind the madness, which further adds layers to their relationship.

Director Andrew Lane creates a fantastic balance between action sequences and character exploration. The film does not shy away from its pulp inspirations but instead revels in them, creating a colorful, fast-paced world that's true to the spirit of the pulp genre. The occasional moments of self-aware humour, teasing the cliches of the action-adventure and pulp genres, adds to the movie's charm and keeps the viewing experience light-hearted and enjoyable.

The film also benefits immensely from its well-portrayed supporting characters like Desmond Floyd and the villainous Sid. Dennis Christopher brings a quirkiness and quick wit to the role of Floyd, while the versatile actor, John Hurt, brings a terrifyingly casual cruelty to his role. The performances in the film are consistently entertaining, enhancing the overall bold and somewhat outlandish premise of the film.

Jake Speed is a notable blend of action, adventure, and comedy that draws from a classic style and then adds its twists and tweaks. Teaming with raw energy, casual wit, and a nostalgic charm, it is an enjoyable watch if you appreciate the adventure serials and pulp fiction of yesteryears. Despite its unlikely premise, the film manages to entertain through its humor-filled dialogue, intense action, memorable scenes, and strong performances.

In conclusion, Jake Speed is a unique cinematic offering that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It successfully captures the essence of adventure novels while poking fun at many of their tropes. It's a fast-paced, funny, and thrilling piece of 80's cinema that transports audiences into an exaggerated adventure filled with captivating characters and daring escapades.